2026 Drone Regulations in Europe: Complete Guide to C0 to C4 Classes and the Open Category

2026 drone regulations, C0 to C4 classes, open category, A1 A2 A3, drone CE marking…
Since the full application of the European framework, the rules have evolved. Whether you are a recreational or professional drone pilot, understanding the new 2026 European drone regulations is essential to fly legally.

Here is a clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date guide.

1. European Drone Regulations: What Has Changed

Current regulations are based on European regulations:

• EU 2019/945 → technical requirements for drones
• EU 2019/947 → operational rules

Since European harmonization, the rules are now identical across all European Union countries, including France.

The regulations no longer distinguish between recreational and professional use.
They now classify flights according to their level of risk:

• Open Category → low risk
• Specific Category → moderate risk
• Certified Category → high risk

Most remote pilots operate in the open category.

2. Drone Classes C0 to C4: Understanding CE Marking

Since January 1, 2024, drones sold in Europe must display a CE class marking (C0, C1, C2, C3, or C4).

This classification depends on:

• the drone's weight
• safety equipment (Remote ID, speed limitation, geo-awareness, etc.)
• the potential risk level

Class C0 (under 250 g)

• Flights in subcategory A1
• Can fly over isolated people (never a crowd)
• Ideal for recreational use

Class C1 (under 900 g)

• Flights in A1
• Remote ID mandatory
• A1/A3 training required

Class C2 (under 4 kg)

• Flights in A2
• Low-speed mode mandatory
• Minimum distance to people must be maintained

Classes C3 and C4 (under 25 kg)

• Flights in A3
• Prohibited from flying near residential areas
• Minimum distance of 150 meters from inhabited areas

Important: Drones without CE marking (purchased before 2024) are heavily restricted and often limited to subcategory A3.

3. Subcategories A1, A2, A3: Where Can You Fly?

The open category is divided into three subcategories:

WARNING! Overflying crowds is strictly prohibited in all cases.

4. Mandatory Drone Training in 2026

To fly in the open category in France:

• Minimum age: 14 years old
• Online A1/A3 training (official exam)
• Mandatory additional training for A2

The A1/A3 exam is accessible online via the DGAC.

Even for recreational use, training is mandatory.

5. Drone Registration: What is Mandatory

In 2026, every remote pilot must:

• Register as a UAS operator
• Obtain an operator number
• Affix it to their drone
• Activate electronic identification if required

Registration is done via the official AlphaTango platform.

6. General Flight Rules in the Open Category

Here are the fundamental rules to follow:

Maximum Height

• 120 meters

Mandatory Visual Line of Sight

• The drone must remain in the direct visual line of sight of the remote pilot.

Prohibition of Overflying Crowds

• No exceptions in the open category.

Priority to Manned Aircraft

• A drone must always give way.

Checking Flight Zones

• Consultation of official maps (Géoportail) before each flight.

7. What are the Risks of Non-Compliance?

Non-compliance with regulations can lead to:

• Significant fines
• Confiscation of equipment
• Criminal prosecution
• Flight ban

The 2026 drone regulations primarily aim to strengthen:

• The safety of people
• Air safety
• The responsibility of remote pilots

Key takeaways on 2026 drone regulations

✔ CE marking C0 to C4 has become the standard
✔ Old French rules have been replaced
✔ Training and registration are mandatory
✔ Flights are classified according to risk level
✔ The maximum height remains set at 120m

Conclusion: How to be compliant in 2026?

Before buying or flying your drone, check:

• Its CE class
• The applicable subcategory
• Your certification
• The authorized zones

The 2026 European drone regulations may seem complex, but they enable clear and secure harmonization at the European level.

Flying legally means protecting your activity and your passion.